Sai Teja Ponthagani Review at Central Connecticut State University [CENTRAL CONNECTICUT], New Britain | Collegedunia

My Journey At : Central Connecticut State University

6.7
Verified Review (Out of 10)
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Academic
8.0
Accommodation
6.0
Faculty
8.0
Infrastructure
6.0
Social Life
6.0
Placement
6.0

Student's Snapshots

Infrastructure & Academic Building
Infrastructure & Academic Building
Classroom
Classroom
Facilities & Labs
General
General
Sai Teja Ponthagani
Central Connecticut State University, Masters in Computer Science
Reviewed on Feb 28, 2025(Enrolled 2024)

Course Curriculum

8

  • Course curriculum is not that hard . Few courses were theoretical, few courses needed hands-on experience on working for projects .
  • Not many challenges I had in the last semester but the registered courses at the start may get cancelled if there is low enrollment ,then we have to opt for Independent study for it. typically it's just 2 classes sometimes it's 3 .
  • Number of students depends on the course it's usually 10 to 15. To my knowledge only 5 to 6 students are enrolled in my course.

Admission Experience

  • University of Central Missouri - started my 1st semester there and then transferred.
    California State University( East Bay) - waitlisted 
    University of North Texas - rejected due to late application
    University of New Haven - Rejected due to less no. of seats availability
    Purdue State University - Rejected as the criteria was not matching 

  • I had a friend here who is already working as a Graduate Assistant . Even though the tuition fee is high the opportunities were good . Admission process includes WES evaluation of the Undergrad Transcript. IELTS score of 7.0 is mandatory to get an admission or any equivalent English proficient test is accepted. We have to provide a financial certificate showing enough funds in the bank to get the I20 after the admit card is received . 
  • I joined CCSU in FALL 2024 . The opportunities and peaceful atmosphere in the university made me take the decision. Getting an on campus job at other universities is not that easy as it looks here in CCSU.  The entire process took around 45days to get the admit and I20.I received the admit in 20 days and then I submitted the financial document and got the I20 in25 days. The transfer process was smooth.

Faculty

8

  • Faculty to student ratio is 1:10. So it allows the student to interact with professor and professor taking care of all the students . Few professors teach very well and the others are not that good at teaching but they have immense knowledge in the field.
  • Faculty members just assist only during classes to focus on the key fields in the course which help them get a job , outside of that there's nothing that can help . Course CST 501 taught by Professor Saaid Elhadad is the standout professor whom I select as the best among all. The way he makes students to get engaged in the subject with his skills is outstanding. 

Campus Life

6

  • Our college has only one campus. A huge library and a clinic along with other medical services are available in the campus which offer free flu vaccines etc.
  • Campus celebrates Festivals of all cultures and there are different cultural clubs which manage the events .
  • Extracurricular activities are mostly for undergrads as there are not many grad students participating in the sports .

Part Time Jobs

  • GA positions are possible 
  • Pay depends on the no. of hours and the state's base pay is 15.69 dollars
  • GA can work for a maximum of 20 hours and there would be 2,700 dollars waiver in the tuition fee. 
  • A student can work in Dining halls, Pantry, Mail room , Police, Student services, tech centre, copy centre, events management, Content creation, Parking lots etc
  • 20 hours is the maximum for a full time student but in the winter and summer breaks we can work upto 40 hours.
  • Its not that hard to find an on campus job .Just need to check handshake regularly and also has to visit departments and offices to find jobs.
  • I don't work off campus as it is illegal and on campus job pays 15.69$/hr .Its not that hard to find an on campus job .Just need to check handshake regularly and also has to visit departments and offices to find jobs.
  • Handshake is the platform to lookout for jobs and once an application is accepted we will get an offer letter .Then we have to get work authorization letter and a Social security number card to start working on campus. Interview process depends on the kind of job we apply.

Placement

6

  • It's your hardwork,dedication that finds you a job within 6months of completing graduation. Working off campus running behind money working illegally may not improve your skills and a student lacks interest in studies which is why they are unable to find jobs .
  • Online job portals plays a crucial role in getting the job. One has to update their resume and has to check their score in ATS tracker . Maintain a good linked profile.
  • Amazon is one such good company which hires students.

Accommodation

Off Campus
6

  • I found my accommodation with the help of my friend. Also Telegram and WhatsApp groups can help find accommodations. Rent varies with the number of people living in the house.
  • ACs and heaters are installed in the rooms along with washing machines and dryers . Also refrigerator , over and a microwave are included .My accommodation is 8 to 9 miles far from the college.

Exams

  • IELTS / TOEFL is enough for the application. WES evaluation along with 2 Letter of recommendations from the undergrad institution, a resume and a 50 dollar application fee are mandatory. Interview was not part of my application process. But a 200$ deposit needs to be paid for I20.
  • If you are a transfer student then the transcripts from the previous university should also be submitted .

Fees

  • Fee is charged on a semester basis and 14.1k dollars for one semester . Monthly expenses goes around 550dollars.300- 400 is the rent and groceries cost you up to 100 dollars and additional mobile recharges will be there .
  • Transportation charges can be around 50 dollars if the bus facility is used . Hartford is the city close to the college so people prefer to stay there.

Scholarship

  • Yes I did received scholarships .
  • C. J. Huang Trust Scholarship of 1200$ is given at the time of admission, which is divided for two semesters . 
  • Graduate Student Research scholarship of 500$ was given.
  • Financial Aid is not possible for International students but my roommates also received the same scholarship. 
  • We can apply for all the other scholarships once the period is open.